UFC 142 Preview & Predictions: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson’s move to middleweight has been a long time coming. The massive wrestler has been known to walk around as high as 230 pounds, which made him an absolute giant in the welterweight division. But the enormous cut often took a toll on his body, leaving him drained of energy and unable to perform to his potential.

The move to middleweight should rectify that problem. And despite moving up a weight class, Johnson will still be a gigantic middleweight in the cage. He’ll have a distinct size advantage on Belfort.

Belfort came off his January 2011 loss to Anderson Silva with a dominant knockout of Yoshihiro Akiyama last summer. He’s displayed his trademark lightning-quick hands since returning to the UFC, and remains a dangerous fighter despite having been in the Octagon since the early days of the UFC. He’s only 34 years old, which doesn’t quite seem right when you consider how long he’s been in the fight game.

Belfort’s game is predicated on coming out of the gate and bullrushing opponents with his hands. He’s got the kind of punching power that makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. But if you’re able to weather that initial storm, your chances of taking home a victory rise dramatically.

Belfort seems to get discouraged when he can’t finish opponents early, and that plays right into Johnson’s strengths. If Johnson is able to survive that inital barrage from Belfort’s hands, he should be able to use his size and strength to nullify Belfort, to tire him out and wear him down. Look for Johnson to rely on his wrestling and his size to take Belfort out of his game on the way to a decision win.